Ph.D. student or Postdoc: Imaging applications in photoswitching-optoacoustic imaging

02.02.2026, Wissenschaftliches Personal

The lab

The Stiel Lab is one of the laboratories at the Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging in the Department of Bioengineering at Helmholtz Munich . Our group focuses on the development and application of genetically encoded agents, primarily for photoacoustic and fluorescence imaging.Using technologies like photoacoustic imaging, we seek to visualize small populations of labeled cells (e.g. immune cells) deep in the live organism to study e.g. immune responses or cancer development. Moreover, using molecular sensors we also aim to read out cellular functionality in vivo e.g. metabolic reprogramming in cancer.

The job

The technology of photoswitching-optoacoustics bears massive promise to visualize small cell populations and their functionality without background deep in the live animal (see Stiel, Nat. Methods, 2024). The approach is still in its infancy; hence we need to drive the further development of the imaging technology, labeling agents and analysis approaches at the same time. To demonstrate the capabilities and improve the robustness in different application scenarios we are aiming at several show-case topics like visualization of small tumor sites, metastasis, visualization of immune cell recruiting and microbial colonization in the gut (partially in collaboration). All those application scenarios have the advantage that they are based on relatively established bio(medical) questions and are scalable in the number of cells to be visualized and hence can "grow” with the sensitivity of the technology. The job will be to conduct imaging but also advance the technology by interfacing with biochemists developing the labeling agents, data analysts developing analysis algorithms and physicists developing hardware.

The candidate

The candidate should have a firm base in in vivo imaging and cell biology of (bio)medical questions but at the same time should not be shy of imaging technologies in development. Hence, the candidate should bring a readiness to try new techniques and approaches and explore and tweak them until they work. Scientists looking for a full focus on one particular (bio)medical question and seeking to conduct imaging with a turn-key instrument are not encouraged to apply.

We seek for the following capabilities:

• PhD or Master in Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Bioengineering or related topics.
• In vivo imaging experience, preferably optical, ultrasound or even photo-/optoacoustic
• A FELASA certificate are equivalent is of advantage
• Cell biology experience in fields like cancer-biology or immunology
• Mammalian cell culture experience
• Additional molecular biology / protein biochemistry expertise is of advantage
• Experience in analyzing protein structural data (not necessarily acquiring the data)
• Having already worked with GFP-like or Bacteriophytochrome-like proteins is of advantage
• Passion and drive for an academic career
• High motivation, curiosity, and commitment to scientific excellence
• Team player skills and enthusiasm to work in an interdisciplinary, collaborative environment
• Excellent command of the English language

Our offer:

Helmholtz Munich is an internationally recognized top research institution offering a creative and stimulating work environment. With research bridging physics and engineering with chemistry, biology and medicine there are highly diverse opportunities to innovate, collaborate and excel. We support career development, continuing education and teaching and training opportunities. Munich is one of the most attractive and innovative major cities in Germany and a place of scientific excellence and interaction, hosting several of Germany’s top universities and research institutions in addition to the Helmholtz Zentrum München (e.g. TUM, LMU, Max Planck institutes). Situated at the foothills of the Alps, Munich is, furthermore, famous for its high quality of life. The contract will initially be limited to 2 or 3 years with the possibility for further extension. Salary is commensurate with work experience and seniority (TV EntgO Bund EG13 (Postdoc) or EG13 – 60% (PhD student). As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, TUM explicitly encourages applications from women as well as from all others who would bring additional diversity dimensions to the university’s research and teaching strategies. Preference will be given to disabled candidates with essentially the same qualifications.

Your application:

We look forward to receiving your complete application documents including your letter of motivation, CV, and credentials in a single pdf file via email to André C. Stiel. Thank you for indicating "Post-doc / Ph.D. student – imaging cell bio” in the subject line.

Kontakt: andre.stiel@tum.de